Cold Steel Cinquedea Sword

The Cinquedea [Ching-kwi-dey-uh] has held a long fascination for us here at Cold Steel. The name cinquedea means “five fingers”, and it describes the width of the blade next to the guard. It gained popularity as the sidearm of choice for noblemen walking through the narrow alleyways and walled cities of Italy. A blade worn exclusively for civilian self-defense, it was essentially the precursor to the civilian side sword and the rapier – and yet, this instrument of personal protection seems to have owed much of its design to fashion as it did to the cut and thrust of mortal combat! Surviving examples of these unusual short handled and steeply tapered blades are often highly embellished and ornate. With etched or gilded blades and deep multiple fullers that border on jewelry rather than weaponry – but beneath the romanticisms of high renaissance fashion lay a tool made with purpose. A wide, stiff cut and thrust blade that could be brought into play in confined spaces, and deliver a mortal wound! Cold Steel’s Florentine Cinquedea has a highly engraved guard and pommel and a hand-carved rosewood grip. The double edge of the dagger is expertly sharpened and the Cinquedea is sold complete with a leather scabbard with engraved steel throat and chape.